Electric tile modules

ABSTRACT

The electrically connectable tile module includes a porous substrate having a top side, a bottom side, and at least two side edges. At least one connector is integrated into the porous substrate allowing adjoining electrically connectable tile modules to be electrically connected to the porous substrate. At least one electrical element is disposed over the top side of the porous substrate and electrically connected to the at least one connector.

The invention generally relates to tiles for wall, roof and floorapplications. More particularly, the invention relates to connectabletile modules that include electrical components.

Providing electricity through photovoltaic and thermovoltaic cells isbecoming more popular as these technologies have come down in cost andreliance on other sources of electric power is increasingly disfavoredfor environmental and strategic reasons. However, providing a generaluse tile with electrical components that is easy to install andelectrically connectable to other tiles without external wiring has beenelusive.

The conversion of electromagnetic radiation from thermal sources toelectricity is known as thermophotovoltaic (“TPV”) power generation.While the overall thermal-to-electric conversion (“TEC”) efficiency ofTPV systems has typically been lower than hoped for, recent developmentsin materials and techniques have changed the situation dramatically.Several rare earth oxides, for example, have been shown to alterspectral distributions in their emission spectra, leading to a moreefficient TPV operation. For example, GaAs, GaSb, InGaAs are used inthermoelectric applications.

Photovoltaics refer to cells that convert sunlight directly intoelectrical energy. The electricity is direct current and can be usedthat way, converted to alternating current through the use of aninverter, or stored for later use in a battery. Conceptually, in itssimplest form, a photovoltaic device is a solar-powered battery whoseonly consumable is light. Because sunlight is universally available,photovoltaic devices have many advantages over traditional powersources. Photovoltaic systems are modular and their electrical poweroutput can be engineered for virtually any application. Moreover,incremental power additions are easily accommodated in photovoltaicsystems, unlike more conventional approaches such as fossil or nuclearfuel, which require multi-megawatt plants to be economically feasible.

Although photovoltaic (PV) cells come in a variety of forms, the mostcommon structure is a semiconductor material into which a large-areadiode, or p-n junction, has been formed. In terms of basic function,electrical current is taken from the device through a contact structureon the front that allows the sunlight to enter the solar cell and acontact on the back that completes the circuit.

The original and still the most common semi-conducting material used inPV cells is single crystal silicon. Single crystal silicon cells aregenerally the most efficient type of PV cells, converting up to 23% ofincoming solar energy into electricity. These cells are also verydurable and have proven their long life in many space relatedapplications. The main problem with single crystal silicon cells istheir production costs. Growing large crystals of silicon and thencutting them into thin (0.1-0.3 mm) wafers is slow and expensive. Forthis reason, researchers have developed several alternatives to singlecrystal silicon cells, with hopes of reducing manufacturing costs.

Alternatives to single crystal silicon cells include poly-crystallinesilicon cells, a variety of “thin film” PV cells, and concentratingcollectors. Poly-crystalline silicon cells are less expensive tomanufacture because they do not require the growth of large crystals.Unfortunately they are less efficient than single crystal cells(15-17%). “Thin films” (0.001-0.002 mm thick) of “amorphous” oruncrystallized silicon are another PV cell alternative. These thin filmsare inexpensive, and may be easily deposited on materials such as glassand metal, thus lending themselves to mass production. Amorphous siliconthin film PV cells are widely used in commercial electronics, poweringwatches and calculators. The problem with these cells is that they arenot very efficient (12% in the lab, 7% for commercial cells), and theydegrade with time, losing up to 50% of their efficiency with exposure tosunlight.

Thin film PV cells made from other materials have also been developed inan attempt to overcome the inefficiency and degradation of amorphoussilicon thin films, while retaining low production costs. Galliumarsenide (GaAs), copper indium diselenide (CuInSe₂), cadmium telluride(CdTe) and titanium dioxide (TiO₂) have all been used as thin film PVcells, with various efficiencies and production costs. Titanium dioxidethin films, just recently developed, are very interesting because theyare transparent and can be used as windows.

In terms of artistic and practical applications (e.g. improved nighttimevisibility), electroluminescent materials have become popular novelties.Electroluminescent materials, such as phosphor, emit light when acurrent is passed through it. Commercially available phosphor-basedelectroluminescent materials use, for example, zinc sulphide doped withmanganese (ZnS:Mn) as amber-glowing phosphor. Making different-colorluminescing material for artistic effect is a matter of blendingelements that will electroluminesce with red, green, blue (or acombination of these to make light of many different colors). Forexample, strontium sulphide doped with copper, denoted ‘SrS:Cu’ can be“tuned” by controlling the proportions of five-neighbored andsix-neighbored copper by adding the elements sodium and yttrium to thematerial, tipping light emission toward the greens.

Thus, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the industry to addressthe aforementioned deficiencies and inadequacies.

Embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus and method forproviding electric tile modules. Briefly described, in architecture, oneembodiment of the system, among others, can be implemented as follows.The apparatus is an electrically connectable tile module. Theelectrically connectable tile module includes a porous substrate havinga top side, a bottom side, and at least two side edges. At least oneconnector is integrated into the porous substrate allowing adjoiningelectrically connectable tile modules to be electrically connected tothe porous substrate. At least one electrical element is disposed overthe top side of the porous substrate and electrically connected to theat least one connector.

Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the presentinvention will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art uponexamination of the following drawings and detailed description. It isintended that all such additional systems, methods, features, andadvantages be included within this description, be within the scope ofthe present invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims.

Many aspects of the invention can be better understood with reference tothe following drawings. The components in the drawings are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearlyillustrating the principles of the present invention. Moreover, in thedrawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding partsthroughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of an electrically connectabletile module with electrical components drawn in schematic form, inaccordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional side view of an electrically connectabletile module with electrical components drawn in schematic form, inaccordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2B is a bottom view of the electrically connectable tile module ofFIG. 2A, in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 3A is a top view of a plurality of interlocked electricallyconnectable tile modules of FIG. 2A, in accordance with the secondexemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3B is a side view of the plurality of interlocked electricallyconnectable tile modules of FIG. 3A, in accordance with the secondexemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a plurality of interlocked electricallyconnectable tile modules, in accordance with a third exemplaryembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5A is a side view of a plurality of interlocked electricallyconnectable tile modules, in accordance with a fourth exemplaryembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5B is a top view of a plurality of the interlocked electricallyconnectable tile modules of FIG. 5A, in accordance with the fourthexemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6A is an end view of one of the electrically connectable tilemodules shown in FIG. 5A, in accordance with the fourth exemplaryembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 6B is a side view of a portion of one of the electricallyconnectable tile modules shown in FIG. 5A, in accordance with the fourthexemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of an electrically connectabletile module, in accordance with a fifth exemplary embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of an electrically connectabletile module, in accordance with a sixth exemplary embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of an electrically connectabletile module, in accordance with a seventh exemplary embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of an electrically connectabletile module, in accordance with an eighth exemplary embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 11 is a side view of two of the electrically connectable tilemodules of FIG. 10, in accordance with the eighth exemplary embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional side view of an electrically connectabletile module, in accordance with a ninth exemplary embodiment of theinvention.

FIGS. 12A and 12B are simplified perspective and cross-sectional viewsof an electrically connectable tile module, in accordance with a tenthexemplary embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of an electrically connectable tilemodule, in accordance with an eleventh exemplary embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of a covering element made in accordance withthe eleventh embodiment.

The invention, in general, provides an electrically connectable tilemodule 10. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of the electricallyconnectable tile module 10 with electrical components drawn in schematicform, in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the invention.The electrically connectable tile module 10 includes a rigid substrate12. The rigid substrate 12 may include ceramic, cement, or other rigidmaterials, including, but not limited to, clay, mud, polymers such as aplastic, polymer/clay or polymer/ceramic hybrids, or glass. The rigidsubstrate 12 may be composed of an electrically insulating material toprevent short circuits among connected tiles modules. Rigid substrate 12includes a top side 14, a bottom side 16, and side edges 18. Although asubstantially rectangular cross-sectional shape for the rigid substrate12 is shown, it should be understood that the tile modules may assumeany shape having top and bottom sides 14, 16 and one (e.g., circles) ormore side edges 18 (e.g., triangles, squares, hexagons).

A thermovoltaic element 20 and a photovoltaic element 22 (collectively,the “voltaic elements 20, 22”) may be disposed over the top side 14. Theterm “thermovoltaic” encompasses all known materials that operate tocovert heat into electricity, including, but not limited to, mercurycadmium telluride thermal diodes. The voltaic elements 20, 22 may bethin film thermovoltaic and photovoltaic cells. The term “thin film” isherein defined as micron-sized material deposited as an element overanother material. Thin films are relatively inexpensive and may beeasily deposited on many different rigid materials by several differentmethods well known to those having ordinary skill in the art. Forexample vacuum deposition, ion sputtering, and spin-coating aredeposition methods that may be used to apply the voltaic elements 20,22.

Voltaic elements 20, 22 may be coated with a transparent, electricallyinsulating material 24, such as silicon. Also, the electricallyconnectable tile module 10 may be coated with a sealing layer 26. Thesealing layer 26 is designed to make the electrically connectable tilemodule 10 wear and weather resistant. The sealing layer 26 may include,but is not limited to, fired ceramic glazes, liquid glazes, sol gels,polymer or glass-based coatings, thick films, or a combination of these.To enhance the productivity of the thermovoltaic element 20, aheat-reflective element 28 may be disposed on the top side 14 of therigid substrate 12 and underneath thermovoltaic element 20. Optionally,the sealing layer 26 may include a light-enhancing product, such asmicro industrial diamonds (not shown) to enhance productiveness of thephotovoltaic element 22.

Many variations exist on the type and placement of electrical wiring andcomponents of each electrically connectable tile module 10. Asillustrated in the first exemplary embodiment in FIG. 1, a first circuitsegment 30, which has a negative polarity, and a second circuit segment31, which has a positive polarity, both contain diodes 32 to prevent abackflow of electricity in the event of a voltage differential betweenvoltaic elements 20, 22. Hence, current produced from the voltaicelements 20, 22 flows along a first wire 34, connected to the firstcircuit segment 30, and a second wire 36, connected to the secondcircuit segment 31. The first and second wires 34, 36 may be run throughchannels (see FIG. 6A) in rigid substrate 12 or sealed to bottom side16. The first and second wires 34, 36 may terminate at a male connector38 and a female connector 40. As shown in FIG. 1, male and femaleconnectors 38, 40 may be disposed along opposing side edges 18. However,a corner tile module could have connectors extending from perpendicularside edges. This configuration is suited for wall and floor applicationsof the electrically connectable tile module 10 because it allowsinterconnection without the need for complex wiring or installationproblems associated with loose wires in mortar or grout.

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional side view of an electrically connectabletile module 110 with electrical components drawn in schematic form, inaccordance with a second exemplary embodiment of the invention.Electrically connectable tile module 110 includes a rigid substrate 112with a top side 114, bottom side 116, and opposing side edges 118.Disposed over top side 112 are thermovoltaic element 120, photovoltaicelement 122, and electroluminescent element 144. The electroluminescentelement 144 is composed of an electroluminescent material, such asphosphor material, that emits light when a current is passed through it.Optionally, a reflective element 146 is disposed between thethermovoltaic element 120 and the top side 114.

The voltaic elements 120, 122 and the electroluminescent element 144 maybe separated by a transparent, electrically insulating material (e.g.silicon), which may also act as a sealing layer 126. In terms ofelectrical connections, one of many possible arrangements is representedby first circuit segment 130 and second circuit segment 131. Firstcircuit segment 130 has a negative polarity, while second circuitsegment 131 has a positive polarity, with both circuits 130, 131containing diodes 132 to prevent backflow of electricity in the event ofa voltage differential between the voltaic elements 120, 122 and theelectroluminescent element 144. The electricity produced from thevoltaic elements 120, 122 flows to a first wire 134 and a second wire136 (shown in phantom line). The wires 134, 136 lead to a male connector138 and a female connector 140. As shown, the connectors 138, 140protrude from opposing side edges 118. Also, a switch 148 may controlthe flow of electricity to the electroluminescent element 144.

FIG. 2B is a bottom view of the electrically connectable tile module 110of FIG. 2A, in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment of theinvention. The bottom view illustrates, as in this exemplary embodiment,the male connector 138 may have more than one prong.

FIG. 3A is a top view of a plurality of interlocked electricallyconnectable tile modules 110 of FIG. 2A, in accordance with the secondexemplary embodiment of the invention. FIG. 3B is a side view of theplurality of interlocked electrically connectable tile modules 110 ofFIG. 3A, in accordance with the second exemplary embodiment of theinvention. Electrically connectable tile modules 110 are connected alonga side edge 118 by engagement of the male connector 138 to the femaleconnector 140. Thus, a path 94 for the flow of current is establishedbetween the electrically connectable tile modules 110.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a plurality of interlocked electricallyconnectable tile modules 210, in accordance with a third exemplaryembodiment of the invention. Electrically connectable tile modules 210are made so that a bottom tab 252 houses a connector (in this case afemale connector 240) such that frictional engagement of a maleconnector 238 can be made along a side edge 218 of an adjoiningelectrically connectable tile module 210. Preformed holes 254 allow eachelectrically connectable tile module 210 to be attached by a nail orscrew to a roof substructure 256, if desired. The apex of the picturedroof is preferably covered with a cap piece 258. The connectors 238, 240in the upper most electrically connectable tile module 210 may beconnected to a battery, main electrical service 262, or other load bybackbone wires 260. It should be noted that the third exemplaryembodiment, and any embodiment in which the electrically connectabletile modules 210 convert energy into electrical power can beelectrically connected to any power-saving, power-consuming, orpower-converting apparatus and all such uses are considered to be withinthe scope of this invention.

One possible embellishment on the tabs 252 is the tabs 252 may be springconnectors, such that when one electrically connectable tile module 210for a roof is slid at least partially under another electricallyconnectable tile module 210, a spring-loaded tab 252 must be depressedon one of the electrically connectable tile module 210. When theelectrically connectable tile module 210 is properly slid into position,the depressed tab 252 extends into the other electrically connectabletile module 210, interlocking the two electrically connectable tilemodules 210.

FIG. 5A is a side view of a plurality of interlocked electricallyconnectable tile modules 310, in accordance with a fourth exemplaryembodiment of the invention. FIG. 5B is a top view of a plurality of theinterlocked electrically connectable tile modules 310 of FIG. 5A, inaccordance with the fourth exemplary embodiment of the invention. Theelectrically connectable tile modules 310 are mounted on a roofsubstructure 356 and are interconnected by a male connector 338 coupledto a female connector 340. Each electrically connectable tile module 310may include a preformed hole 354 to facilitate attachment to the roofsubstructure 356. Wires 334, 336 then transmit electricity to a battery,main electrical service 362, or other load by backbone wires 360.

FIG. 6A is an end view of one of the electrically connectable tilemodules 310 shown in FIG. 5A, in accordance with the fourth exemplaryembodiment of the invention. FIG. 6B is a side view of a portion of oneof the electrically connectable tile modules 310 shown in FIG. 5A, inaccordance with the fourth exemplary embodiment of the invention.Electrically connectable tile module 310 has a photovoltaic element 322disposed over the top of rigid substrate 312. On the bottom of rigidsubstrate 312, a tab 352 houses channel 362 and wires 334, 336. Maleconnector 338 is disposed at side edge 318 while female connector 340 islocated within tab 352.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of an electrically connectabletile module, in accordance with a fifth exemplary embodiment of theinvention. Electrically connectable tile module 410 is made up of rigidsubstrate 412, having a top side 414. Disposed over top side 414 iselectroluminescent element 444. Electrically insulating element 424 andsealing layer 426 coat the electroluminescent element 444 and rigidsubstrate 412 as described in previous embodiments. Sealing layer 426 isconnected between from a negatively charged wire 430 and a positivelycharged wire 431, which are connected to a first wire 434 and a secondwire 436. Two connectors 438, 440 allow the electrically connectabletile module 410 to conduct current from an adjoining tile. Of course,designs, letters, or shapes may be made with the electroluminescentelement 444 to add a creative element to the electrically connectabletile module 410.

It should be noted that the manufacture of the invention may beaccomplished using conventional manufacturing methods. For example,rigid substrate material can be cast or molded and then cured or fired.Circuitry and connecting material is then applied at different points asone or more electric component elements (photovoltaic, thermovoltaic,and/or electroluminescent) are deposed over the rigid substrate. If thinfilms are used, these films can be deposited on a reflector material(most likely stainless steel) and then laminated to the substrate, or athin film can be deposited directly on the substrate. At this point, thevarious sealing coatings or glazes would be applied to the tile, whichcould then be cured or fired as necessary. Other electric components,such as a battery, inverter, or connecters, would then be installed tocomplete the tile.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of an electrically connectabletile module 510, in accordance with a sixth exemplary embodiment of theinvention. The electrically connectable tile module 510 includes aporous substrate 512 having a top side 514, a bottom side 516, and atleast two side edges 518. At least one connector 538 is integrated intothe porous substrate 512. The connector 538 allows the porous substrate512 to be electrically connected to adjoining electrically connectabletile modules. At least one electrical element is disposed over the topside 514 of the porous substrate 512 and electrically connected to theat least one connector 538. As shown in FIG. 8, the electrical elementmay be an electroluminescent element 544.

Forming substrate 512 of a porous material provides several advantages.For one, forming substrate 512 of porous material results in a module510 that is relatively lightweight as compared to one made from a solidsubstrate material, and yet retains structural integrity. The poroussubstrate 512 also has less thermal mass, and may cool more easily. As aresult, the electrical element(s) may operate more efficiently if theporous substrate 512 is kept relatively cool. The porous substrate 512may be rigid or flexible. The porous substrate 512 may include metal,ceramic, polymer, a composite material, or another commerciallyavailable material. One preferred material is a GPM porous ceramicavailable from Porvair Advanced Materials of Hendersonville, N.C. whoprovide porous rigid ceramic materials having densities ranging to aslow as 10-30%. Other preferred materials include flexible porous plasticsheet materials, and the like available from Micro Pore Plastics, Inc.of Tucker, Ga. However, other porous materials having densities rangingfrom about 10-80% or more advantageously may be used in accordance withthe present invention.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of an electrically connectabletile module 610, in accordance with a seventh exemplary embodiment ofthe invention. The electrically connectable tile module 610 includes aporous substrate 612 having a top side 614, a bottom side 616, and atleast two side edges 618. At least one connector 638 is integrated intothe porous substrate 612. The connector 638 allows the porous substrate612 to be electrically connected to adjoining electrically connectabletile modules. At least one electrical element is disposed over the topside 614 of the porous substrate 612 and electrically connected to theat least one connector 638. As shown in FIG. 9, the electrical elementmay be an electroluminescent element 644.

As shown in FIG. 9, the electrically connectable tile module 610 mayalso include a heat sink 660 integrated with the electrical element, theelectroluminescent element 644. The heat sink 660 also, or instead, maybe integrated with the porous substrate 612. The electricallyconnectable tile module 610 may also include at least one conductor 634connected to the at least one connector 638 and integral with the poroussubstrate 612.

As shown in FIG. 9, the electrically connectable tile module 610 mayalso include a fluid system. The fluid system includes at least onefluid conduit 662 integral with the porous substrate 612. At least onefluid connector 664 is integral with the fluid conduit 662, The fluidconnector 664 allows adjoining electrically connectable tile moduleshaving adjoining fluid conduits to fluidly connect to the poroussubstrate 612. The fluid system may also include a pump 666 in fluidcommunication with the fluid conduit 662. The pump 666 may be capable ofcirculating fluid through the fluid conduit 662. Also, the heat sink 660may be in thermal communication with the fluid conduit 662 and/or inthermal communication between the fluid conduit 662 and the electricalelement. The heat sink 660 may operate to enhance heat transfer with afluid in the fluid conduit 662 and one purpose of the fluid conduit maybe to allow heat transfer to and from the electrically connectable tilemodule 610. A storage tank 668 may be provided in fluid communicationwith the fluid conduit 662. The storage tank 668 may operate to storeheated fluid, which may be transported therefrom for other applications.

A wetting surfactant 684 may be applied to an outer surface of theelectrically connectable tile module 610. The wetting surfactant 684 maymake cleaning the electrically connectable tile modules 610 lessdifficult. The wetting surfactant 684 may be fluid contained within thefluid conduit 662 and may be applied to the outer surface of theelectrically connectable tile module 610 intermittently and/or asdesired. Release of the wetting surfactant 684 from the fluid conduit662 may be controlled by a sensor 670. The sensor 670 may be designed tosense an at least partial build up of dirt, dust, or similar debris andinitiate release of the wetting surfactant 684, which may then cause thedust, dirt, and debris to be removed.

The porous substrate 612 may allow the electrically connectable tilemodule 610 to be more lightweight. The porous substrate 612 may also bethermally conductive, allowing it to cool more easily while retainingstructure and mass for support of the electrical element(s). Theelectrical element(s) may operate more efficiently if the poroussubstrate 612 can remain relatively cool. A nonporous substrate 612B maybe attached to the porous substrate 612. The nonporous substrate 612Bmay be able to provide some mechanical advantages, such as impedingwater penetration as a roofing tile, which may not be provided by theporous substrate 612. The porous substrate 612 may be integral with amechanical connector 672 to facilitate connection to a nonporoussubstrate 612B or other material.

In use, the porous substrate 612 may be mounted to a floor, a wall, aroof, a ceiling, or other surface. While use of the electricallyconnectable tile module 610 is discussed in relation to mounting onsurfaces of residential or commercial buildings, the electricallyconnectable tile module 610 may also be mounted within pools, alongsidewalks or walkways, and in other conceivable locations withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention. The porous substrate 612 maybe mounted by adhesive, mechanical attachment, or other means known toone having ordinary skill in the art with tiles and/or poroussubstrates.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of an electrically connectabletile module 710, in accordance with an eighth exemplary embodiment ofthe invention. The electrically connectable tile module 710 includes aporous substrate 712 having a top side 714, a bottom side 716, and atleast two side edges 718. At least one connector 738 is integrated intothe porous substrate 712. The connector 738 allows the porous substrate712 to be electrically connected to adjoining electrically connectabletile modules. At least one electrical element is disposed over the topside 714 of the porous substrate 712 and electrically connected to theat least one connector 738. As shown in FIG. 8, the electrical elementmay include an electroluminescent element 744, a thermovoltaic element720, and a photovoltaic element 722. Electrically insulating element 724coats the electroluminescent element 744 and rigid substrate 712 asdescribed in previous embodiments.

The electroluminescent element 744, the thermovoltaic element 720, andthe photovoltaic element 722 may be interconnected. The thermovoltaicelement 720 may convert heat into electricity to power theelectroluminescent element 744. This conversion may also operate to coolthe electrically connectable tile module 710. Similarly, thephotovoltaic element 722 may convert ambient light into electricity topower the electroluminescent element 744. In this regard, theelectroluminescent element 744 may not need power from a remote source.

A switch 770 in electrical communication with the electroluminescentelement 744 may control the electroluminescent element 744. The switch770 may be used to control multiple electroluminescent elements 744disposed over the top sides 714 of multiple porous substrates 712. Theswitch 770 may be a two-position switch, a three-way switch, a dimmerswitch, or another style switch known to those having ordinary skill inthe art. The switch 770 may be operated manually, or it may operate, forexample, through a timer, an automated control, a sensor, or anothertype of control known to those having ordinary skill in the art. Theswitch 770 may operate as a controller, in communication with thethermovoltaic element 720, and/or the photovoltaic element 722 as wellas or instead of the electroluminescent element 744 to provide controlto those electrical elements.

The electroluminescent element 744 may include a multi-colorelectroluminescent material. The multi-color electroluminescent materialwould allow the electroluminescent element 744 to radiate light inmultiple colors and, possibly, vary the colors of radiated light. Theelectroluminescent element 744 may further be capable of radiatingelectromagnetic waves in wavelengths outside of visible light. Forinstance, the electroluminescent element 744 may be capable of radiatingultraviolet or infrared wavelengths of electromagnetic energy. Theelectroluminescent element 744 may include, for example, LEDs, OLEDs,miniature illuminating chips, laser photonics, or other conventionallight sources.

The electroluminescent element 744 may include an illuminable screen 774disposed over the top side 714 of the porous substrate 712 and aradiation source 776 proximate to the porous substrate 712. As shown inFIG. 10, the radiation source 776 may be positioned to radiate at leasta portion of the illuminable screen 774. The radiation source 776 may becapable of radiating electromagnetic waves in various wavelengths ofvisible light as well as wavelengths outside of visible light. Forinstance, the radiation source 776 may be capable of radiatingultraviolet or infrared wavelengths of electromagnetic energy. Theilluminable screen 774 may be capable of propagating at least a portionof the electromagnetic waves radiated from the radiation source 776.

The electrically connectable tile module 710 may also include at leastone fiber optic cable 778 integral with the porous substrate 712. Thefiber optic cable 778 may be integral with the electroluminescentelement 744. The fiber optic cable 778 may be used to illuminate theilluminable screen 774, propagating at least a portion of theelectromagnetic waves radiated from the radiation source 776, which maybe located remotely with respect to the electrically connectable tilemodule 710. At least one fiber optic connector 780 may be integral withthe fiber optic cable 778, allowing the fiber optic cable 778 to connectto other electrically connectable tile modules having adjoining fiberoptic cables. The fiber optic cable 778 may be used to illuminatemultiple illuminable screens 774 of multiple electrically connectabletile modules 710, by propagating at least a portion of theelectromagnetic waves radiated from one or more radiation sources 776,which may be located remotely with respect to at least some of theelectrically connectable tile modules 710.

An oxidizing coating 782 may be applied to an outer surface of one ofthe electrical elements. The oxidizing coating 782 may be a titaniumoxide, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,809,145 to Okamura, etal. The oxidizing coating 782 may operate as a photocatalyst, exhibitinghydrophilic properties when exposed to ultraviolet light. Thehydrophilic properties may result in a thin film of water spreadingacross the electrically connectable tile module 710, when exposed towater and ultraviolet light, causing dust, dirt, and similar debris tofloat on the thin film. The dirt may then be easily wiped away. Theoxidizing coating 782 may also oxidize air pollutants and other elementsthat adhere to the electrically connectable tile module 710, in somecases converting the substances to harmless carbon dioxide or otherwisesterilizing the outer surface of the electrical element. The oxidizingcoating 782 may react to visible light and some wavelengths ofnon-visible radiation. The oxidizing coating 782 may react toelectromagnetic waves radiated from the electroluminescent element 744.The electroluminescent element 744 may be limited to the purpose ofproducing electromagnetic waves that cause the oxidizing coating 782 toreact.

The switch 770 may include a sensor mounted proximate to the top side714 of the porous substrate 712. The sensor, in electrical communicationwith the connector 738, may initiate at least one of the electricalelements. The sensor may be designed to sense an at least partial buildup of dirt, dust, or similar debris and initiate the electroluminescentelement 744, which may then cause the oxidizing coating 782, causing thedust, dirt, and debris to be removed through oxidation and/orhydrophilic activity.

FIG. 11 is a side view of two of the electrically connectable tilemodules 710 of FIG. 10, in accordance with the eighth exemplaryembodiment of the invention. As apparent from the side view of FIG. 11,the connector 738 may include a U-shaped electrical connector 786integrally connected to the bottom side 716 of the porous substrate 712.The U-shaped electrical connector 786 may permit grout or othersubstances to be inserted between the electrically connectable tilemodule 710 with reduced interference. The U-shaped electrical connector786 may also allow an electrically connectable tile module 710 to belifted out of place without pulling, or otherwise mechanicallystraining, the U-shaped electrical connector 786 and or adjacentelectrically connectable tile modules 710.

A wetting surfactant 784 may be applied to an outer surface of theelectrical element(s). The wetting surfactant 784 may make cleaning theelectrically connectable tile modules 710 less difficult.

The electrical elements of electrically connectable tile module 710 mayinclude a display screen. A display screen would allow images to berepresented on the electrically connectable tile module 710. Further,multiple display screens contained on electrically connectable tilemodule 710 could be coordinated to provide a single, coordinated image.

FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate two other embodiments of the invention.FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional side view of an electrically connectabletile module 810, in accordance with a ninth exemplary embodiment of theinvention. The electrically connectable tile module 810 includes asubstantially rigid grid 888 containing grid electrical conductors 890.A substrate 812 having a top side 814, a bottom side 816, and at leasttwo side edges 818 is integrally mounted to the substantially rigid grid888. At least one connector 838 is integral with the substantially rigidgrid 888 and connected to the substrate 812. The connector 838 allowsthe substrate 812 to be electrically connected to the substantiallyrigid grid 888. At least one electrical element is disposed over the topside 814 of the substrate 812 and electrically connected to theconnector 838. As shown in FIG. 12, the electrical element may includean electroluminescent element 844, a thermovoltaic element 820, and aphotovoltaic element 822.

As shown in FIG. 12, the electrically connectable tile module 810 mayalso include a heat sink 860 integrated with at least one of theelectrical elements and/or the substrate 812. The electricallyconnectable tile module 810 may also include at least one substrateelectrical conductor 834 connected to the at least one connector 838 andintegral with the substrate 812.

As shown in FIG. 12, the electrically connectable tile module 810 mayalso include a fluid system. The fluid system includes at least onefluid conduit 862 integral with the substrate 812. At least one fluidconnector 864 is integral with the fluid conduit 862. Alternatively, asshown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the fluid conduit 862A may be snap fitted orattached to the back surface of the tile module 810A in thermalcommunication with the heat sink 860A. Alternatively, the fluid conduitsmay be formed as an integral part of the heat sink or thermovoltaic,e.g. by extrusion. The fluid connector 864 allows adjoining electricallyconnectable tile modules 810 to fluidly connect through thesubstantially rigid grid 888. The fluid system may also include a pumpin fluid communication with the fluid conduit 862. The pump may becapable of circulating fluid through the fluid conduit 862. Also, theheat sink 860 may be in thermal communication with the fluid conduit 862and/or in thermal communication between the fluid conduit 862 and theelectrical element and/or the substrate 812. The heat sink 860 mayoperate to enhance heat transfer with a fluid in the fluid conduit 862and one purpose of the fluid conduit may be to allow heat transfer toand from the electrically connectable tile module 810. A storage tankmay be provided in fluid communication with the fluid conduit 862. Thestorage tank may operate to store heated fluid, which may be transportedtherefrom for other applications.

The substrate 812 may be porous, nonporous, or a combination thereof.The substrate 812 may be integral with a mechanical connector 872 tofacilitate connection to the substantially rigid grid 888. Thesubstantially rigid grid 888 may be capable of connection to othersubstantially rigid grids to form a larger substantially rigid grid.

A switch 870 in electrical communication with the electroluminescentelement 844 may control the electroluminescent element 844. The switch870 may be used to control multiple electroluminescent elements 844disposed over the top sides 814 of multiple substrates 812. The switch870 may be a two-position switch, a three-way switch, a dimmer switch,or another style switch known to those having ordinary skill in the art.The switch 870 may be operated manually, or it may operate, for example,through a timer, an automated control, a sensor, or another type ofconventional control. The switch 870 may operate as a controller, incommunication with the thermovoltaic element 820, and/or thephotovoltaic element 822 as well as or instead of the electroluminescentelement 844 to provide control to those electrical elements.

The electrically connectable tile module 810 may also include at leastone fiber optic cable 878 integral with the substrate 812. The fiberoptic cable 878 may be integral with the electroluminescent element 844.The fiber optic cable 878 may be used to illuminate an illuminablescreen 874, propagating at least a portion of electromagnetic wavesradiated from a radiation source, which may be located remotely withrespect to the electrically connectable tile module 810. At least onefiber optic connector 880 may be integral with the fiber optic cable878, allowing the fiber optic cable 878 to connect to grid fiber opticcables 892 located in the substantially rigid grid, and otherelectrically connectable tile modules 810 there through. The fiber opticcable 878 may be used to illuminate multiple illuminable screens 874 ofmultiple electrically connectable tile modules 810, by propagating atleast a portion of the electromagnetic waves radiated from one or moreradiation sources, which may be located remotely with respect to atleast some of the electrically connectable tile modules 810.

As noted supra, the present invention allows interconnection of tileselectrically along with use of various electrical surfaces. To add tothe serviceability and aesthetics of the tiles in yet another embodimentof the invention, a removable optically transmissive covering isprovided that allows the tiles to aesthetically match other non-electricsurrounding tiles while still allowing sufficient light irradiation orphotons through the covering for efficient photovoltaic or photovoltaicand thermovoltaic conversion to electricity. The covering is alsodesigned to increase and maximize the effective angle of lightirradiation, thereby also increasing the efficiency of the underlyingphotovoltaic. Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the covering comprises anoptically transmissive media 901, such as glass or plastic or polymermaterial such as that used for optic cable or filaments, e.g.,polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The optically transmissive material issurrounded by optical cladding material 902 of a different refractiveindex to bounce or channel the light entering from various angles,through the covering, to the underlying photovoltaic 904. To make thesurface look smooth a filling material 905 preferably is used to fillvoids between the channels.

Typically the covering 901 is made of many of these channels.Alternatively, the covering 901 may be made of many short optical fibersbundled together and formed in the desired geometric shape to match theshape of the tile it is intended to attach or snap into. The fibers canhave a geometrically shaped cross section that is round, square,rectangular or other shapes and coated, except for the ends, with apigmented or dyed refractive layer of sufficient thickness to allow thecovering to appear solid or multi color when viewed from most angles.The ends of the channels or areas that are intended to accept light inshould be geometrically shaped to allow the greatest input of light froma wide angle, such as a dome shape. The light then would be bounced downthe channel in the same manner as an optic cable. The light can thenenter the covering and strike the photovoltaic in an efficient mannerthroughout most of the day as the sun or other light source's angle ofillumination changes.

This allows for tiles, on a roof for example, to look aesthetically likethe other tiles on the roof of a building but allow the photovoltaic towork efficiently as a whole system yet still be aesthetically pleasingto the eye. The covering also can be used on a flat solar panelinstalled on a roof or on the ground or other places so that the tilesvisually blend into their surroundings, or are colored to match apainted wall etc.

In the preferred embodiment of this aspect of the invention thephotovoltaic is situated between the covering and the supporting tile903. The supporting tile is made in various shapes and lengths with theelectrical conduit or bus bar built into or under it for protection fromthe elements. Each photovoltaic section would plug into it and then becovered over by the covering. In another embodiment the covering andphotovoltaic are laminated or attached together first and then snappedor attached into place with the electrical connections being made at thepoint or attachment to the supporting tile with electrical conduit.

The covering is manufactured in one embodiment by molding the refractivepart of the covering first in a honeycomb pattern with the holes goingall the way through the thickness of the covering. The honeycomb canthen be placed into another mold and optically transmissive material canthen be molded into the cavities. Or solid fiber optic cable could becut and inserted into each cavity and glued into place.

The covering also may be molded or formed as a solid part of theoptically transmissive material and the refractive cladding applied tothe exterior surface in areas that are to be painted or coated withcolor while leaving masked off areas of the exterior surface open andoptically transmissive. Reflective material can also be applied inplaces facing the photovoltaic or interior areas to help bounce thephotons around and help increase the efficiency of the energyconversion.

The tiles, coverings and photovoltaic can be manufactured in, but notlimited to, shapes that match standard building and architectural tileshapes and integrated into, for example, a complete roof of tiles on astructure with other flat or curved roofing tiles. By providing theability to snap into place or attach with screws and other fasteners thecovering to the tile each individual tile is serviceable, functional andaesthetically pleasing.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of thepresent invention, particularly, any “preferred” embodiments, are merelypossible examples of implementations, merely set forth for a clearunderstanding of the principles of the invention. Many variations andmodifications may be made to the above-described embodiments of theinvention without departing substantially from the spirit and principlesof the invention. All such modifications and variations are intended tobe included herein within the scope of this disclosure and the presentinvention and protected by the following claims.

1. An electrically connectable tile module comprising: a poroussubstrate having a top side, a bottom side, and at least two side edges;at least one connector integrated into the porous substrate wherebyadjoining electrically connectable tile modules are electricallyconnected to the porous substrate; at least one electrical elementdisposed over the top side of the porous substrate and electricallyconnected to the at least one connector; and further comprising: atleast one fluid conduit integral with the porous substrate; and at leastone fluid connector integral with the fluid conduit whereby adjoiningelectrically connectable tile modules having adjoining conduits arefluidly connectable to the porous substrate.
 2. The electricallyconnectable tile module of claim 1, further comprising a heat sinkintegrated with at least one of a group consisting of the poroussubstrate and the at least one electrical element, and/or at least oneconductor connected to the at least one connector and integral with theporous substrate.
 3. The electrically connectable tile module of claim1, further comprising a pump in fluid communication with the fluidconduit for circulating a fluid through the fluid conduit, and/or a heatsink in thermal communication with the fluid conduit for enhancing heattransfer with a fluid in the fluid conduit, wherein the heat sink is inthermal communication with the at least one electrical element forenhancing heat transfer between the at least one electrical element andthe fluid.
 4. The electrically connectable tile module of claim 1,further comprising a nonporous substrate attached to the poroussubstrate.
 5. The electrically connectable tile module of claim 1,wherein the porous substrate is mounted to one of the group consistingof a floor, a wall, a roof, and a ceiling.
 6. The electricallyconnectable tile module of claim 1, further comprising a switch inelectrical communication with the at least one electrical element. 7.The electrically connectable tile module of claim 1, wherein the atleast one electrical element further comprises: (a) a multi-colorelectroluminescent material, (b) an illuminable screen disposed over thetop side of the porous substrate and a radiation source proximate to theporous substrate, wherein the radiation source is positioned to radiatethe illuminable screen, or (c) a display screen.
 8. The electricallyconnectable tile module of claim 1, further comprising: (a) a mechanicalconnector integral with the porous substrate for facilitating mechanicalconnection to an additional porous substrate, (b) at least one fiberoptic cable integral with the porous substrate; and at least one fiberoptic connector integral with the fiber optic cable, whereby adjoiningelectrically connectable tile modules having adjoining fiber opticcables are connectable, or (c) a sensor mounted proximate to the topside of the porous substrate, the sensor in electrical communicationwith the at least one connector, whereby triggering the sensor initiatesthe at least one electrical element.
 9. The electrically connectabletile module of claim 1, further comprising an oxidizing coating or amelting surfactant applied to an outer surface of the at least oneelectrical element.
 10. The electrically connectable tile module ofclaim 1, wherein the at least one connector further comprises a U-shapedelectrical connector integrally connected to a bottom side of the poroussubstrate.
 11. The electrically connectable tile module of claim 1,wherein the porous substrate has a density of 10-80%.
 12. Theelectrically connectable tile module of claim 11, wherein the poroussubstrate has a density of 10-30%.
 13. The electrically connectable tilemodule of claim 1, wherein the substrate comprises a rigid material orflexible material.
 14. The electrically connectable tile module of claim1, and further comprising a storage tank in fluid communication with thefluid conduit.